MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line has announced a major revamp of its loyalty offering with the launch of a new program, Carnival Rewards, set to debut in June 2026.
This new platform introduces a cruise industry first: a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases, as well as status qualifying starts that determine they tier status.
Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities.
The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – giving cardmembers the opportunity to earn points and status even faster. More details on the credit card will be announced later.
“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard,” she added.
HOW IT WORKS
Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status.
- Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and even go toward a future cruise.
- Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years.
Under the new program, guests will earn two types of benefits:
- Carnival Rewards points: Redeemable for nearly all Carnival purchases including spa treatments, specialty dining, onboard experiences, and future cruises.
- Status qualifying stars: Used to determine tier status within the program, which includes Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels.
WHAT HAPPENS ON JUNE 1, 2026
As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program, for a two-year period through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for a six-year period through May 31, 2032.
This ensures that all current loyalty status is honoured while giving members time to familiarize themselves with the enhanced rewards.
Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual, until the new program launches.
In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers – as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates – will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.
Current Carnival loyalty members will receive emails throughout the transition process ahead of the June 2026 launch date. For more details, go to www.carnivalrewards.com.
